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07-27-2009, 09:11 AM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fairfax, VA
Posts: 852
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Looking for $$$ balanced amp for HD800s
Hi guys,
I'm looking for a high-end balanced amp for my hd800s to complete my setup. I'm used to tubes as I have an old MPX3. See my sig. The amps on my list to look at are:
RSA B-52
TTVJ 307A
I'm leaning towards the B-52 as I admire the build quality and use as a preamp for possible speaker setup. What else should I be looking at? Which one would let the qualities of the emm to shine through?
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VD Master LE 2 | PS Audio PPP | VD Master LE 2 | EMM CDSA SE (Upgrade Company)/DAC-2 SE | SP MPX3 | HD800-Hardwired Voice w/ Adapter/HD650-ZuMobius V1
feedback
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07-27-2009, 09:14 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 2,861
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Add in B22 and Phoenix on your shortlist.
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Cassette tape -> iBuds
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07-27-2009, 09:45 AM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fairfax, VA
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Thanks for the input. Also forgot to mention that my tastes in music are alternative, trance, metal and classic rock. I will be using the voice cable.
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VD Master LE 2 | PS Audio PPP | VD Master LE 2 | EMM CDSA SE (Upgrade Company)/DAC-2 SE | SP MPX3 | HD800-Hardwired Voice w/ Adapter/HD650-ZuMobius V1
feedback
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07-27-2009, 10:45 AM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Sydney, AU
Posts: 605
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianS
...to complete my setup.
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hehe in summit-fi this is not possible!
If you want to have a shot at diy then I highly recommend the b22.
I'm just finishing up mine now and it has been an extremely rewarding experience 
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07-27-2009, 11:20 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 2,128
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I think it also would be a really good idea to check out Craig Uthus' amps. I haven't heard his balanced amps, but I own the Zana Deux and it is great with the HD800's.
At least, hearing how well the ZD is, his stuff is undoubtly what I would have gone for if I were in the market for a balanced amp.
Good luck.
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nor_spoon
"Stupidity got us into this mess - and stupidity will get us out." - Homer
SOURCE Ontech Monster Dual Mono AMP EC Zana Deux HEADPHONES Sennheiser HD800 , HD650 w/SAA Equinox, Grado RS-1, Victor/JVC HP-DX1000 CABLES Zu Gede, Zu Firemine
Last edited by nor_spoon; 07-27-2009 at 11:34 AM.
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07-27-2009, 01:20 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Fukuoka, Japan (was Australia)
Posts: 4,350
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There were quite a few meets recently where there were HD-800s, starting with Canjam. There are quite a few impressions people wrote about the HD-800s and various amps.
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Headphones: Sennheiser HD-800, Symphones Magnums, Grado HF-2 (all balanced), Stax Lambda Nova Signature
Amps: Audio-gd Phoenix, Audiovalve RKV Mark II, Stax T1S, eXStatA (to be built)
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07-27-2009, 02:03 PM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: the bay
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The Voice cable! OP, have you been able to audition it, or are you just really intrepid? 
Anyways, if we're gonna throw in DIY amps, I heard good things about the EHHA and Stacker II. I think both can be built balanced pretty easily? Also, don't forget the Woo 22 and GSX.
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07-27-2009, 02:57 PM
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Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Deep in the midrange.
Posts: 46
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If you wait a couple of weeks later .
You could get to buy Eddie Current's Balancing Act
I believe good driving for HD800...
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07-27-2009, 04:36 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Turko
If you wait a couple of weeks later .
You could get to buy Eddie Current's Balancing Act
I believe good driving for HD800...
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Not likely. I'm in the first run and it's looking very likely that it might be late August for me. Anyone who signs up now is looking at atleast October.
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07-27-2009, 04:48 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus:
High-End Forum Volunteer
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: White Plains, NY
Posts: 9,281
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i wasn't impressed with bal 800 on phoenix. the WA22 sounded better. but i preferred the B52 to that. haven't listened to the 800 with the 307A or balancing act (not out yet).
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1. Cary 306 SACD »» RSA B52 or HR Bal Home »» HD650 / HD800 / RS1
2. Cary 306 SACD »» HEV70 »» HE60
FS: HF2 (#49) / Woody SR325 / Bal HD800 Cable Click Here
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07-27-2009, 04:49 PM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SoCal
Posts: 546
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moonboy403
Add in B22 and Phoenix on your shortlist.
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I would second this. I have heard both of these and they are excellent with the HD800 (balanced).
I also second the ZD/Balancing Act recommendations - I also thought those work quite well with the 800's. I think the BA offers the SQ of the amps you mentioned at a noticeably lower price point.
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07-27-2009, 06:00 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 5,674
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vcoheda
i wasn't impressed with bal 800 on phoenix. the WA22 sounded better. but i preferred the B52 to that. haven't listened to the 800 with the 307A or balancing act (not out yet).
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It all depends what was behind it. What source were you using? With the RAM modded DL3 it sounds excellent. But I'm a little worried how it will sound with the Reference One that will be here any day now. Only time will tell.
I would tell the OP to take the 307A off his list. When I heard it in TTVJ's room at CanJam I was very unimpressed. The B-52 sounds great but there are a lot better for less money.
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07-28-2009, 02:16 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus:
High-End Forum Volunteer
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: White Plains, NY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IPodPJ
The B-52 sounds great but there are a lot better for less money.
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like what?
__________________
1. Cary 306 SACD »» RSA B52 or HR Bal Home »» HD650 / HD800 / RS1
2. Cary 306 SACD »» HEV70 »» HE60
FS: HF2 (#49) / Woody SR325 / Bal HD800 Cable Click Here
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07-28-2009, 02:34 AM
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Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IPodPJ
It all depends what was behind it. What source were you using? With the RAM modded DL3 it sounds excellent. But I'm a little worried how it will sound with the Reference One that will be here any day now. Only time will tell.
I would tell the OP to take the 307A off his list. When I heard it in TTVJ's room at CanJam I was very unimpressed. The B-52 sounds great but there are a lot better for less money. |
Do you mind if I ask what you didn't like about the TTVJ 307A?
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07-28-2009, 02:49 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: The Beach, California
Posts: 15,571
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If I were to go balanced, I'd buy the Eddie Current Balancing Act. The price is fair and I've been nothing less than impressed with Craig's designs. The Balancing Act I heard at CanJam was as good as any amp I've listened to.
That being said, any DIY amp can be built balanced. Your musical tastes might lend themselves to solid state, as well.
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